These valve covers are a bit taller than stock to fit over many roller rockers. Always verify clearance before ordering. Using double gaskets to add height frequently causes leaks. Customers have reported to us that PML tall valve covers eliminated the need for double gaskets and the leaks.

These big block engine Corvette covers do not have a brake booster cut-out on the driver's side in response to customer requests. (If you need a brake booster cut-out, please see our stock height big block valve covers.)

Breather and PCV Holes

PML Chevy big block valve covers have PCV and oil fill/breather holes and baffles cast into the covers. The internal baffles help prevent oil blow-by out the PCV and breather holes.

These holes work with standard 1 1/4 inch grommets.

If desired, a breather cap with a 1 inch outer diameter tube can be used with the breather grommet.

Checking Clearance

Engine configurations vary so please check for clearance for larger valve covers. The walls and gasket flange are thicker than stock and the fins and script add height to the top.

Look for clearance on the inside also, especially if you have roller rockers. A simple check can be made if you have the stock valve cover. Set the stock cover on the head and measure the distance, if any, between the gasket flange surface and the head.
Our cover is approximately 3/8 to 1/2 inch taller than the stock cover. PML tall covers are approximately 3/8 inch taller than our standard height covers.

Some customers have reported that their roller rockers contact the inside of these PML valve covers at corners. PML has heard that grinding a bit off the roller rockers on #1 intake and #6 intake, one intake rocker on each side of engine, can add enough clearance (but this is not something we have tried or endorse).

Because these covers are larger than stock, on some Corvette engines you may need to remove the alternator to install these covers. Accessing some of the bolts may be difficult.

Flyer

PML Valve Covers Compared to Stock

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These images show a PML valve cover compared to the stock cover. The outside dimensions are shown.
The distance to the gasket surface maybe different. See the link below the "Buy Now" button for more information on dimensions.

Installations

1930 Ford

Mike purchased PML valve covers for his big block engine on his 1930 Ford Five Window Coupe street rod. This street rod does not have have a hood or fenders, similar to the American Graffiti Deuce Coupe. He chose the CORVETTE script in the cast finish to be "slightly different". Our thanks to Mike for sharing his pictures and his comments.

His cam is a 283 grind Thumpr from Comp Cams and the roller rockers are a generic kind, gold in color and very squared off. He uses a standard gaskets, not extra thick.

To get the PML covers to fit, he rounded off the left side corners on two of the roller rockers. The valve covers fit great after grinding a bit off the roller rockers on #1 intake and #6 intake (one intake rocker on each side of engine). He did not remove any material from the valve covers. He was told later by an engine machinist that this procedure is virtually always necessary when you try to put roller rockers on a big block chevy.

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1963 Corvette

These images show a restoration by Alloway's Hot Rod Shop. The engine is dressed up with these PML tall big block CORVETTE valve covers in the polish finish.

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1966 Corvette

David in Barrington, Illinois, installed these valve covers in the polish finish on his 1966 Corvette with a Chevy big block 625 HP engine. He emailed us "I love my valve covers!!"

1966 Corvette

Lou Cardoza Enterprises in Hawaii/Guam (808-238-1374) built this 427 engine for a 1966 Corvette and finished it off with PML tall big block valve covers in the polish finish.

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1969 Corvette

This Corvette belongs to PML's owner and president. His 427 engine does not have roller rockers. He decided on these tall PML big block valve covers because he did not need the brake booster relief and liked the look. He custom painted red between the fins and script to match his Vette.

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1973 Corvette

Video slide show (short) has pictures of these PML valve covers, polish finish, installed on Chuck Younger's 1973 Corvette with a Chevrolet big block engine. Chuck's company is Walden and Younger Corvette Restorations out of Alabama.

PML Valve Cover Features

Strong sand-cast aluminum construction

Thick side walls and gasket flanges that will not bend when bolts are tightened

Cast-in internal baffles

Mounting hardware included

For a larger picture, please click one of the above images. A separate window will open showing a bigger picture. (The larger pictures take a minute to display.)